Guy de Maupassant
Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893)
The Necklace (“La Parure”)
Boule de Suif (“Tallow Ball”)
French
Realism
The oldest of two children, Maupassant’s parents separated when he was 11 years old. His father arranged his education. However, Maupassant did not care for the first seminary school he attended, and was expelled in 1868. He went on to study law in Paris, but stopped his studies to serve in the Franco-German War. He returned to law school afterwards. His introduction to the literary world was mainly due to his mother’s friendship with Gustave Flaubert. She arranged for Flaubert to act as a mentor to Maupassant. The two met often when Flaubert was in Paris. Flaubert introduced Maupassant to prominent writers and intellectuals such as, émile Zola and Henry James. Both Zola and James influenced Maupassant’s work. His short story, “Boule de Suif” or “Tallow Ball” (1880), is an ironic tale of generosity and shallowness set against the harsh reality of the Franco-Prussian War. “The Necklace” (1884), is an exploration of materialism and the schism between appearance and reality. He completed over 300 short stories and is regarded as one of the most brilliant French short-story writers in literary history.
Consider while reading:
- What points is Maupassant making about social class and appearance in these works?
- How do nationality and social class come into conflict in “Boule de Suif”?
- To what effect does Maupassant use conspicuous consumption?
- What elements of naturalism does Maupassant incorporate into his works?
Written by Laura Ng